Betclic, France’s leading online sports betting operator, and the French Handball Federation (FFHandball) have announced a landmark partnership set to revolutionise the visibility and development of French handball.
The multi-year agreement designates Betclic as an official supporter of the French national handball teams, encompassing senior, women’s, and youth categories.
The collaboration aims to harness Betclic’s extensive digital reach and innovative platforms to introduce handball to a broader audience and deepen engagement among existing fans.
Speaking on the occasion, Philippe Bana, President, French Handball Federation, said, “The French Handball Federation is pleased to enter into a partnership with Betclic, Official Supporter of our French national teams through 2028. This long-term partnership reflects shared goals: supporting the development of handball and increasing its visibility among an ever-growing audience. The growing enthusiasm for sports betting on handball demonstrates the rising appeal of our sport. This partnership enables us to support this momentum by creating positive synergies to grow our community together and enhance the visibility of French handball.”
Nicolas Béraud, CEO of Betclic, added, “Handball embodies everything we love about sport intensity, collective passion, and unforgettable performances. With this partnership, Betclic becomes a key destination for handball fans. By backing the French national teams and partnering with a forward-thinking, high-performing federation, we’re proud to support the exceptional momentum driven by Philippe Bana and his team.”
Benjamin Deblicker, SVP Sales, SPORTFIVE France, continued, “This partnership reflects a mutually beneficial growth strategy: it enables FFHandball to engage new audiences through a powerful digital brand, while allowing Betclic to strengthen its presence alongside a sport that continues to expand its footprint in the sporting landscape. At SPORTFIVE, we’re proud to have facilitated this strategic alliance rooted in performance, commitment, and innovation.”
This strategic alliance, brokered by international sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE, will run through 2028. A core element of the partnership is a substantial increase in handball’s visibility. Betclic will feature its brand prominently on team kits, LED panels during matches, the FFHandball mobile application, and across social media channels.
Furthermore, Betclic plans to stream approximately ten major handball competitions directly on its application, providing access to over 2,000 matches annually, including the prestigious Champions League and StarLigue. This initiative directly caters to the rising demand for live betting and immersive fan experiences.
Recognising its social responsibility, Betclic is committed to reinforcing its responsible gaming initiatives. The partnership will include educational campaigns during matches and via the Betclic application. Dedicated actions will also be implemented for younger audiences, incorporating an educational component within affiliated clubs, in alignment with Betclic’s established “Betclic Protect” program, which ensures a safe and responsible gaming environment.
French handball already boasts a remarkable legacy as a global powerhouse, with an impressive record of nine world titles and four Olympic gold medals, making it the most decorated team sport worldwide.
This partnership seeks to build upon this success by attracting new demographics, particularly through digital platforms where handball is already gaining significant traction as the 8th most-bet-on discipline on the Betclic app.
The collaboration between Betclic and FFHandball represents a significant milestone for French handball, promising to amplify its reach, foster community growth, and ensure its continued development both domestically and internationally.
